My motivation for writing a fantasy novel came from the unadulterated joy i experienced as a voracious young reader of fantasy novels. This is a list of fantasy authors, authors known for writing works of fantasy, fantasy literature, or related genres of magic realism, horror fiction, science fantasy. Untethered from scientific and societal laws, and limited only by their imaginations, fantasy authors explore themes by creating their own worlds. Writing an epic high fantasy that sprawls across imaginary continents and peoples is a mammoth undertaking.
The best fantasy novels of all time penguin random house. Anne mccaffreys dragonflight is a wonderful, wonderful read, and is a scifi book disguised as a fantasy, not a fantasy book, harry potter and the sorcerers stone is placed too low on this list, the fellowship of the ring is placed too high, eragon and the golden compass deserve no mention on any list that calls itself best fantasy. Now my favorite novels to read are fantasy novels, i get so involved learning about, not only the characters of the story, but the whole world those characters lived in. At the bottom, youll find links to related pages about how to write a novel, as well as the chance to take free creative writing. All fantasy submissions must be at least 40,000 words in length.
Some require wearing your big kid pants due to language, which i have noted. Ultimate list 2020 by peter mcpherson updated may 9, 2020 04. But, in my opinion, these are the best books on writing available. Each chapter covers a different aspect of writing, includes exercises to hone that part of your writing. This book is an absolute necessity to anyone seriously pursuing fantasy or fiction writing. Plus, there are some special considerations in spec fic, such as power balance and worldbuilding.
Tv tropes lists some of the fantasy plot and character tropes that have become cliches. It a little different to writing a novel set in the real world as, unlike books. The 50 best fantasy books of the 21st century so far paste. But given those things, i can see why a primer of the top fantasy books. It focuses on how to craft quality writing that boosts business and helps find and retain customers, including writing. Roleplay gaming and fantasy novels have gone handinhand for most of their existence, but its a.
In the 2000s, the harry potter novels became the rare series read by fantasy fans and non fantasy fans, book lovers and non book lovers, basically everyone on planet earth. The genre of fantasy writing has so much scope to explore creative freedom and cultivate out of the box ideas. My list of mythical creatures and beings might also be a good fantasy plot generator. Four things ive learned since i started writing my fantasy series and also my dystopian series before that. This post on fantasy authors handbook does point out that many of the bestselling books of all time of which many are fantasy novels are not the 200,000 word epics many associate with the genre. But given those things, i can see why a primer of the top fantasy books for this age category might be necessary. Here are my personal top five tips to help keep your fantasy writing tight, believable and confident. Martin, brandon sanderson, and more share their best advice for authors writing fantasy. Five tips for planning a fantasy novel writers bureau. To make the fantasy world seem realistic, describe the setting in detail, create some rules regarding magic and the supernatural, create interesting characters with realistic motives, and then write. Writing a fantasy novel is great fun you can, literally, let your imagination run wild. London, england, united kingdom about blog jo fletcher books is part of the quercus family, a small but perfectly formed list publishing the very best in best science fiction, fantasy and horror. Although researching what other authors have done right can help, the reason these books.
Fortunately, there are many ways you can simplify writing a novel to make it easier. Writing amazing fantasy means creating a whole, unique universe to draw your readers into. And it could be argued folks seeking to write a scifi or fantasy novel in a month are at a disadvantagenonsff writers can riff on their own lives and experiences for 1,700 words a day and declare victory, while speculative writers are tasked with inventing entire universes, languages, and mythologies for their books. Your question suggests youd like to be steered to a font that might fancyup your manuscript to capture the attention of a potential editor in a publishing house. This is just one of many pages on this website about creative writing techniques. Deborah chester wrote a real winner for those aspiring to be real.
For more in the golden rules series check out the 3 golden rules of writing a science fiction book, or for more on young adult fiction try the ultimate guide to writing awesome young adult books. Whether you write about witches and wizards, supernatural. And it could be argued folks seeking to write a scifi or fantasy novel in a month are at a disadvantagenonsff writers can riff on their own lives and experiences for 1,700 words a day and declare victory, while speculative writers are tasked with inventing entire universes, languages, and mythologies for their books a tall order in the. Dont write a fantasy novel before reading these 8 tips. We know writing a novel can seem like a daunting task at first. The best fantasy novels ever written prowritingaid. Without extensive sales statistics its hard to say how the size of a book does or doesnt affect its popularity. Creative writing prompts are the missing link all writers needwhether youre writing for fun or looking to write an amazing novel and live full time off your fiction writing like students in our. Has there ever been a better time to be writing fantasy. Although researching what other authors have done right can help, the reason these books were successful is because they were innovative. Thats why we need genrespecific guidance from time to time. Top 60 fantasy book blogs and websites in 2020 fantasy. Writing a realist novel set in a familiar city is a challenge itself.
Whether you are looking for a different and unique style of creative writing exercises or are looking for the elusive perfect novel idea, this list will hopefully get your creativity flowing. The whole point of writing a fantasy novel is to feed on creative energy, so never be afraid to explore something new. Its hard to write a guide to a whole genre, especially one as vast and as intricate as fantasy. Writing your own fantasy story is an incredibly rewarding process. How to write fantasy types of novels creative writing. When writing a fantasy series, its easy to fall into wellknown cliches. And if you want more inspiration, please check out my book 5,000 writing prompts. Instead of stoking a fantasy writers enthusiasm, they can kill it with example after example featuring the humdrum lives of harry. Writing a novel is not like taking a scantron test.
Of the many books on writing, almost all are for a mainstream audience. Five books on writing fantasy, compared mythcreants. The 12 best books on writing ive ever read jerry jenkins. Fantasy writing can transport readers to a vast array of fictional realitiesfrom primitive lands ruled by dragons, to familiar spaces cohabitated. How to write a book blurb in 4 steps the opening of your blurb has to be incredibly precise and dynamic, says editor rebecca heyman for a lot of firsttime authors, i think theres an instinct to make sure readers understand everything that happened in the book. Tips on how to build a fantasy world for your novel ny. We are currently accepting submissions for fantasy novels. Your goto guide to creating ridiculously good content, drives home the point that anyone with a web site or social media channels is a writer. Where once it was a fringe genre, now fantasy is everywhere in pop culture, from harry potter to the memes surrounding jon snow. While you could start with her acclaimed sevenwaters trilogy book one is daughter of the forest, a better place to begin is her enchanting standalone novel. Here youll find information about how to write fantasy, with advice on the dos and donts of creating magical worlds.
The hero is reluctant to fulfill a quest these are fantasy plot tropes that can feel hollow if there arent additional unique elements. Fantasy is a huge niche and one with plenty of fanatical fans. I, for one, am excited that youre writing a fantasy. How to write a fantasy novel a research guide for students. I know fantasy readers who like epic tomes and are drawn to a nice fat book. Many of the authors are known for work outside the fantasy. And it could be argued folks seeking to write a scifi or fantasy novel in a month are at a disadvantagenonsff writers can riff on their own.
Though geared toward the academic setting, it can be easily used by the casual writer. Whats great about the book is its both a compendium on writing and a place to start for basic research on writing a fantasy novel set in medieval times. Its a brilliant genre to write in and today, ben galley, fantasy author and selfpublishing expert, discusses the main aspects. Over 300,000 authors trust the professionals on reedsy, come meet them. In this post, learn how to write a science fiction novel from beginning to end, including 4 approaches for the first chapter of your novel, tips for writing about fictional technology, writing dystopian fiction, writing a science fiction series, and more. In advance of our 4th annual science fiction and fantasy virtual conference, four of the participating presenters share their best quick tips for. Five tips for planning a fantasy novel if you want to write a fantasy novel then follow these planning tips.
I hope these fantasy writing prompts helped spark your imagination. Fantasy opens a lot of doors for the imagination, but dont try to wing it. Juliet marilliers luscious fantasy novels are not to be missed. In the great high fantasy novels, characters surprise not only each other but themselves too. Techniques and exercises for weaving supernatural elements into your story. How to create outofthisworld novels and short stories card, orson scott, athans, philip, lake, jay on. I agree that burroways writing fiction is the best of the best when it comes to books on writing. The seven novels the reading order of which is a little controversial are shorter than standard fantasy books, and written for younger readers, so theyre incredibly fun, easy to get through. Magical realism, contemporary, dark, and paranormal romance all have a place in the fantasy genre. Avoid the pitfalls of muddled fantasy book writing and plan ahead.